No experience with essential oils yet? In this post, we'll guide you in a concise, practical way into this fascinating world.
Essential oils, also called essentiële oils, are fragrant, volatile substances obtained from flowers, herbs, leaves or resin via steam distillation. Since the time of the Egyptians, these powerful extracts have been used to support body and mind and as an air freshener.
How do you use essential oils in a safe and effective way?
1. Via evaporation
A classic: a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser or on a scent stone. This way you distribute fragrance gently throughout your living room, bedroom or workspace.
Check our range of diffusers and scent spreaders
Ideal for:
- Rest and relaxation → lavender, neroli
- Fresh air and focus → lemon, rosemary, grapefruit, peppermint
- Clear airways → eucalyptus, pine
- Resilience and purification → tea tree, ravintsara, niaouli
2. On the skin: always diluted
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be applied pure to the skin. Always dilute them in a plant-based oil such as jojoba or almond.
Applications:
- Relaxing massage → lavender or ylang ylang
- Soothing bath oil → mix a few drops (for example lavender, rose, geranium,..) with some bath oil or plant-based oil and add to a warm bath
- Targeted (skin) care → tea tree for pimples
Note: some oils are skin-sensitive or phototoxic (such as citrus oils). Always test on a small patch of skin.
3. Inhalation: pure or via steam
A direct way to use essential oils is through breathing.
A few drops:
- On a tissue or your palm, for example during stress or fatigue
- In a bowl of hot water (steam inhalation) → for a cold or pressure in the head
4. Internal use: be careful
Sometimes essential oils are also used internally. But it's best to do this only under professional guidance. Essential oils are powerful and not without risk when taken orally.
Choose consciously for quality and caution
At 't Lof der Kruiden we choose purity resolutely. Our essential oils are 100% natural, without additives, and carefully selected for quality and origin. Do you have questions or are you looking for an oil that suits your needs? We'd be happy to think along with you.